Keystone Pipeline could clear environmental hurdle
Posted Aug 26, 2011 8:48 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Keystone XL Pipeline could clear a major hurdle Friday when the U.S. State Department releases its final environmental assessment.
Indications are it will say the project to carry oilsands crude to Texas will have limited impact on the environment during construction and operation.
The report is expected to be a blow to protesters who have been gathered outside the White House since Saturday, urging U.S. President Obama to nix the project.
After the anticipated approval Friday, a review on whether the project is in the national interest would be part of the next steps in the State Department’s decision-making.
Cindy Schild, Refining Issues Manager for API in Washington, says there’s one more project that will close out the now three-year environmental process.
“They will have a 30-day public comment period in which you can file comments with the State Department,” said Schild. “They are also conducting nine public hearings, mostly along the pipeline route in the U.S. and one in D.C.”
A final permit decision is expected before the end of the year.
